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“America’s Maine” unveiled at Carver Hill

Carver Hill Gallery in Rockland will unveil “America’s Maine” at a public Opening Reception 5 – 8 p.m. Friday evening, August 30. “America’s Maine” exhibits paintings of the people and places of the Maine Coast, images produced and collected over two years by America Martin and cinematographers Ross Richardson and Rachel Elias.

America literally worked from sunrise to moonrise to capture the essence of the worker, the vacationer, the sailor, the boatyard dog. The finished paintings reflect the feistiness and the quiet strength that calls folks to return here. In her search to find what would end up being paintings, America seemingly approached people out of nowhere. Down dirt driveways, on piers, and along the street – sporting a baseball cap, flip flops and a camera – she would chat up even the most reserved personalities without restraint. What was astounding is that they seemed to want her around, they wanted to be heard and paid attention to. Folks stood tall in front of the camera, proud of what they do and who they are. After a while, they would go about their business, and America would linger on in the background, forgotten, to continue her work.

The images are compelling, curious, contemplative, and even amusing. From children playing and fishing to hard-working men, women and street musicians, these works show how people live and enjoy the place some of us are lucky enough to call home.

America Martin

There will be 14 paintings in oil and acrylic on canvas and 22 pieces on paper. The gallery will open both floors of the space for this work exclusively. America will be in the gallery from 5 – 8 p.m. for the opening reception. She will be back the next day, Saturday, August 31, at 1:00 for an artist’s talk and Q & A session. Refreshments will be served at both events.

America is looking forward to seeing old friends, meeting her new collectors, and introducing this new body of work to people. This promises to be a wonderful show from a remarkable force of an artist. Many have been looking forward to it since the first click of the shutter. “America’s Maine” will hang through Tuesday, Oct. 8. For more information visit carverhillgallery.com.